Atlanta Braves Beat Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of NLDS on Insane Double Play
The Atlanta Braves put a bow on their comeback win with a stellar defensive highlight.
The Philadelphia Phillies initially led 4-0 midway through Game 2 of the NLDS, thanks in large part to Zack Wheeler's no-hitter through 5.2 innings. But Atlanta flipped the script with a pair of two-run home runs by catcher Travis d'Arnaud and third baseman Austin Riley, taking a 5-4 lead heading into the ninth.
First baseman Bryce Harper drew a walk to lead off the top of the frame, keeping Philadelphia's hopes alive. Closer Raisel Iglesias managed to recover, however, inducing a flyout to shallow center.
Right fielder Nick Castellanos looked to put the Phillies back on top with a deep fly ball to right-center, and Harper certainly thought it would either drop or clear the fence. The former MVP rounded second, only for center fielder Michael Harris II to track it down and make a wild leaping catch at the wall.
Harris chucked the ball back to the infield, missing his cutoff man at second. Riley scooped it up and fired to first to double up Harper.
The game was over, and the NLDS was suddenly tied 1-1.
According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs, Harris wound up sparking the first 8-5-2 double play in postseason history. It was also the first double play involving an outfielder ever to end a playoff game.
Harris, despite going 0-for-3 at the plate, managed to play the hero in Game 2. If it weren't for the 22-year-old's web gem and game-ending outfield assist, the 104-win Braves may have been on the brink of elimination heading into Game 3.
The 2022 NL Rookie of the Year had eight outfield assists this season, compared to just two errors.
Game 3 is scheduled to start at 5:07 p.m. ET in Philadelphia on Wednesday.
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